Abstract: A method is proposed for monitoring a connection between end devices via a communications network. A set of modes having at least two monitoring modes and a ranking order associated with the set of modes, are agreed upon between the end devices and a network device present on a path between the end devices. The method includes an activation of the set of modes, corresponding to an activation of the first mode according to the ranking order; then an activation, according to the ranking order, of each other mode of the set of modes. Each monitoring mode includes at least one mechanism implemented by at least one of the end devices and enabling the network device to perform at least one function of monitoring the connection.

Abstract: A method is proposed for monitoring a connection between end devices via a communications network. A set of modes having at least two monitoring modes and a ranking order associated with the set of modes, are agreed upon between the end devices and a network device present on a path between the end devices. The method includes an activation of the set of modes, corresponding to an activation of the first mode according to the ranking order; then an activation, according to the ranking order, of each other mode of the set of modes. Each monitoring mode includes at least one mechanism implemented by at least one of the end devices and enabling the network device to perform at least one function of monitoring the connection.

Abstract: A system for establishing a client/server type relationship in a hybrid peer to peer network connects a first peer (20a) to a second peer (20d) implementing a predetermined function (F) in that peer to peer network. To this end, the first peer (20a) has a superpeer (10a) capable of establishing a list (LF) of the active peers (20d, 20e) implementing the function (F) in the service of the peers of the network and of sending that list (LF) to its peer (20a). The first peer (20a) can then establish a client/server type relationship with a second peer (20d) selected in that list (LF).

Abstract: A procedure is provided for transmitting packets of variable length, such as AAL2 packets and permitting the transmission of cells such as ATM cells, in time-division circuits such as E1/T1 frames, each divided into a number of time slots, each occupied by an eight-bit byte. The consecutive eight-bit bytes of each packet of variable length and of each cell are located in the slots of consecutive time of at least one group of time slots of the frames. The first eight-bit byte of a packet or a cell is placed at a time slot marked by a pointer occupying a specific time slot of the corresponding group of time slots.

Abstract: A system for establishing a client/server type relationship in a hybrid peer to peer network connects a first peer (20a) to a second peer (20d) implementing a predetermined function (F) in that peer to peer network. To this end, the first peer (20a) has a superpeer (10a) capable of establishing a list (LF) of the active peers (20d, 20e) implementing the function (F) in the service of the peers of the network and of sending that list (LF) to its peer (20a). The first peer (20a) can then establish a client/server type relationship with a second peer (20d) selected in that list (LF).

Abstract: The switching system receives, originating from an external network facility, data units according to a point-to-point transmission interface format, transporting packets of a higher layer protocol. The data units originating from the external network facility are processed so as to recover first packets. Test traffic carried by second packets of the higher layer protocol is generated, and the first and second packets are multiplexed. The stream of multiplexed packets is converted into data units of the point-to-point transmission interface format, which are re-transmitted to the switching system.

Abstract: This invention has to do with a procedure for transmitting packets of variable length, such as AAL2 packets and, possibly, the transmission of cells such as ATM cells, in time-division circuits such as E1/II frames, each divided into a number of time slots, each occupied by an eight-bit byte.

Abstract: A packet network switching unit switches “upper layer packets” at an input port thereof toward a selected output port. Lower layer packets transport the “upper layer packets.” A receiving termination module of the unit (1) retrieves upper layers from lower layer packets at its input, (2) inserts each retrieved upper layer into a lower layer packet, (“intermediate packet”) and (3) delivers the intermediate packet. A transmitting termination module retrieves the upper layer packet from the intermediate packet, optionally inserts it with other packets into a lower layer packet and delivers the lower layer packets. A switch routes lower layer packets to an input of a receiving termination module that routes (1) intermediate packets transmitted by the receiving module toward one of its output ports, connected to a transmitting termination module input and (2) packets transmitted from the lower layer through each transmitting module toward the unit desired output port.

Abstract: The switching system receives, originating from an external network facility, data units according to a point-to-point transmission interface format, transporting packets of a higher layer protocol. The data units originating from the external network facility are processed so as to recover first packets. Test traffic carried by second packets of the higher layer protocol is generated, and the first and second packets are multiplexed. The stream of multiplexed packets is converted into data units of the point-to-point transmission interface format, which are re-transmitted to the switching system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing back a sequence of images from a run of component images successively supplied in digital form by a remote source to a receiver apparatus having the function of playing back the images of the sequence at a given rate, and in which each image constitutes an independent set that is received in the form of data trains. The apparatus includes verification that each received data train and each run of trains making up a set is valid, storing the most recently received valid set, reconstituting image signals from the most recently received valid set, and a clock for locally and independently generating clock signals for triggering visual reproduction of images as a function of circumstances.

Abstract: A method for the simulation of transmission on an ATM transmission network and a simulator implementing the method. The simulator includes interfaces for connection with this network, there is generated a digital signal with a format and bit rate corresponding to the standards of transmission on the network, the signal being constituted by cells identifiable by headers, error-generation and the processing of this signal in order to introduce these errors therein. Application to the testing of ATM terminals.